Los Angeles, a vibrant and multicultural city, is not only famous for its beautiful beaches and world-class film studios, but also a culinary paradise, especially for sushi. It is home to talented chefs, the freshest seafood ingredients, and a large community of Japanese food lovers. If you are a sushi enthusiast, Los Angeles is definitely a must-visit destination where you can experience the ultimate traditional sushi flavors.
This article will take you to explore the top Japanese sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, where you can enjoy exquisite sushi dishes imbued with Japanese cultural identity, from simple nigiri pieces to unique and memorable omakase experiences. Let’s explore the colorful and flavorful world of sushi in Los Angeles together!
Sugarfish
Sugarfish is famous for the “strict” but dedicated rules of chef Kazunori Nozawa, who always puts quality and authenticity first. Although this restaurant chain has now expanded to 11 locations, Sugarfish still maintains its style and is loved for its fresh fish, perfectly balanced with sushi rice. You will enjoy classic sushi dishes such as sea bream with shiso, fatty albacore tuna belly, and sweet bay scallops. Sugarfish offers both a la carte and pre-designed sushi sets with prices ranging from $19 to $52, suitable for a wide range of customers.
Sea bream and shiso at Sugarfish
Urasawa
When it comes to high-end omakase sushi in Los Angeles, Urasawa is a must-mention. Hiroyuki Urasawa, a legendary chef, is famous for his meticulousness and sophistication in every dish. Urasawa restaurant, located on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, has been honored with two Michelin stars. Every day, Urasawa personally selects and checks each piece of the freshest seafood, then transforms them into delicate culinary artworks, combined with gold leaf, foie gras, and truffle. An omakase experience at Urasawa is not just a meal, but also a journey to discover authentic Japanese culinary culture.
Exquisite omakase at Urasawa
Q
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Q is a small sushiya but boasts top-notch sushi flavors and has been awarded a Michelin star. Chef Hiroyuki Naruke, originally from Tokyo, offers diners a unique omakase experience with meticulously prepared tsumami (small appetizers), sashimi, and nigiri. Naruke has spent years perfecting the ratio of red vinegar and sea salt in his sushi rice, and uses various techniques to maximize the flavor of each type of fish. Lunch and dinner omakase at Q range from $75 to $200 per person, well worth the quality and sophistication that the restaurant brings.
Fresh nigiri at Q restaurant
Sushi Ginza Onodera
Sushi Ginza Onodera, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in West Hollywood, is famous for its authentic Edomae sushi experience. Even the miso soup here is elevated to a new level, with three types of aged miso used to create a special broth flavor. The chefs at Sushi Ginza Onodera are all well-trained in Ginza, Japan, ensuring standards in every skill and ingredient. With a price of around $300, Sushi Ginza Onodera offers diners a high-end and memorable dining experience.
Special miso soup at Sushi Ginza Onodera
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku, with its luxurious interior space and attractive cocktails, offers a distinctive LA culinary style. In addition to basic sushi dishes such as octopus, freshwater eel, and yellowtail, Sushi Roku also creates unique dishes, combining Western ingredients such as Sriracha, olive oil, parmesan cheese, kumquat, jalapeno peppers, and avocado. Dishes such as grilled lobster with miso hollandaise and blue crab caviar with garlic aioli and truffle mushroom soy sauce have made Sushi Roku famous, attracting even steak lovers.
Shin Sushi
Hidden in a luxury shopping center in the San Fernando Valley, Shin Sushi is a gem that sushi lovers should not miss. Chef Taketoshi Azumi, who named the restaurant after his father’s restaurant in Tokyo, is meticulous in every step of the preparation and friendly to customers. Shin Sushi offers a cozy space and more affordable prices than other Michelin-starred restaurants, especially at lunchtime. However, purists may need to consider as the restaurant does not serve hot dishes such as chicken teriyaki.
Chef Taketoshi Azumi at Shin Sushi
Matsuhisa
Before becoming famous for his hotel chain, cookbooks, and relationships with celebrities, chef Nobu Matsuhisa built his reputation with his flagship Beverly Hills restaurant. Although it has been around for decades, Matsuhisa remains a popular destination, serving top-quality sushi with both familiar and rare fish such as albacore tuna, freshwater eel, sea urchin, tuna, sardine, and geoduck. In addition to sushi, the restaurant also has a wide selection of oysters, cold dishes such as sashimi tacos, and hot specialties such as black cod with miso and truffle chicken dumplings.
Mori Sushi
Mori Sushi offers an elegant space with white walls, paper lanterns, and golden wood. However, don’t let the simple appearance fool you, because the food here is anything but boring. This Michelin-starred restaurant uses homemade tofu, organic produce from farmers markets, and mostly wild-caught fish. Even small details such as hibiscus salt, yuzu pepper, and mountain yam powder are carefully considered. End your experience with freshly whipped matcha ice cream, which is sure to please.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is truly a paradise for sushi lovers. With a diversity of styles, flavors, and prices, you are sure to find a sushi restaurant that suits your taste and budget. From high-end omakase experiences to simple traditional sushi, Los Angeles promises to bring you unforgettable culinary memories. Plan your trip and explore the colorful world of sushi in this city now!